The 2025 NCAA gymnastics season has just begun, and injury woes are already knocking on the Florida Gators‘ doors. As if starting the season without Skye Blakely and Kayla DiCello wasn’t detrimental enough, another Gator just announced they’ll be stepping away from the sport. What’s even more unfortunate is that the injury had nothing to do with gymnastics.

“I’m taking some time to heal as I took an unfortunate fall that is unrelated to gymnastics, involving my back,” said University of Florida gymnast Kaylee Bluffstone. However, that’s not all, as the gymnast crushed the hopes of anyone expecting a quick turnaround. Bluffston revealed that she was going to cheer for the Gators in a different way this year.

“I’m sad that I’m not competing with my girls, but I’m excited to provide strength and positivity in my new role this year to help the gators achieve greatness,” added the gymnast. The sophomore also revealed the ‘new role’ she hinted at in her announcement was with Florida Victorious. It is the official NIL collective for all Florida Gators athletes.

“She’s ready to bring the ENERGY to the O’Dome this season! We are thrilled to welcome Kaylee Bluffstone back to the Florida Victorious family,” the official Instagram handle posted about Bluffstone joining the collective. While neither the gymnast nor the collective explained her exact role, it seems safe to say she won’t be tumbling on the mat this season.

The Florida Gators member also shared footage of her either being wheeled into or out of the operation theater with the caption, ‘free lil red.’ Fellow teammate Kayla DiCello also showed up in the comments. “Proud of you always,” DiCello wrote in support of the Tampa native. However, while the athletes remain positive, losing Bluffstone is a serious blow for Gators gymnastics.

The clouds of uncertainty loom over the Florida Gators

The Kaylee Bluffstone news has come right on the cusp of the Florida team making their 2025 season debut. The gymnastics team will start their 2025 season against Michigan State University on January 10 at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. And while starting on home ground may be an advantage, losing a competitor right on such short notice is never good.

Things are not looking too bright for Skye Blakely and Kayla DiCello’s return either. Skye Blakely’s bad luck prevented her from participating in the Olympic Trials in 2024, and recent updates have not inspired fans about her return. The Florida Gators member’s last update training at the Gators’ gym was back in November 2024 on the uneven bars.

Meanwhile, Kayla DiCello suffered another setback as recently as December 2024. This setback was a planned surgery on her left lower foot. “This year I’m asking Santa for two new feet! I’m so grateful to have been able to slowly take steps back into doing what I love. Unfortunately, I had another surgery,” DiCello explained on December 23.

And while Kayla DiCello is happy that the surgery will help her come back, it most probably won’t happen this year. Another indication of this was the fact that Florida Victorious also welcomed the 2023 World Championships alternate. So with Bluffstone and DiCello out of the picture and two-time world champion Skye Blakely’s situation being uncertain, things are looking shaky for the Florida Gators. So on January 10, they have everything to play for, proving they are a force to be reckoned with even with injured competitors.